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Childcare
University of Washington Children's Centers

Download a Wait List Application now!

UNDERSTAND

Three Children's Centers at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus provide on-site infant, toddler, and preschool care for UW families. The centers are open year-round and serve faculty, staff, and students with differing levels of enrollment priority. The Children's Center at West Campus serves primarily UW faculty and staff. The Children's Centers at Radford Court and Laurel Village give priority to UW students in family housing. (The Cottage School at Harborview Medical Center is listed separately).

Philosophy

The philosophy of the UW Children’s Centers is based on Maria Montessori's principles for early childhood education. We believe that children learn best in a warm, nurturing, well-organized environment supportive of their individual needs. Your child is encouraged to explore a wide variety of age-appropriate, hands-on activities at his or her own pace. Our teachers are sensitive and respectful of each child's individuality and encourage each child to develop a joyful confidence with which to explore our constantly changing world.

Parents are welcome to visit at any time and are encouraged to participate. We believe a relationship of mutual respect and support between parents and teachers promotes a positive environment for children.

Hours

7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Ages of Children

Six weeks to five years

Adult-Child Ratio

Scheduling

Full-time or part-time options are available

Annual Calendar

Year-round program with the exception of University of Washington holidays, two in-service days, and one-week closures at the end of August and December. Closure dates are posted in September.

Diapers

Cloth diapers can be provided for infants and toddlers through Baby Diaper Service. Parents will be charged for this service.

2008-2009 Monthly Tuition Schedule

West Campus
  Infant Toddler Preschool
Full time $1,390 $1,230 $1,015
4 days $1,223 $1,070 $900
3 days $995 $875 $780
5 half days $995 $875 $780
Radford Court & Laurel Village
Priority I —UW Students
Living in Family Housing
  Infant Toddler Preschool
Full time $1,150 $1,000 $890
5 half days $885 $790 $695
 
Priority II — UW Full-Time Students
  Infant Toddler Preschool
Full time $1,210 $1,030 $900
5 half days $925 $810 $700
 
Priority III — UW Faculty and Staff
  Infant Toddler Preschool
Full time $1,430 $1,260 $1,070
5 half days $1,000 $885 $775

Enrollment Policy

West Campus Radford Court & Laurel Village
Siblings of enrolled children have priority enrollment. As spaces become available, enrollment is determined on a priority basis:
  1. UW benefits-eligible faculty and staff working 50% FTE or more
  2. All other employees (Hourly, affiliates, instructors, academic student employees, etc.)
  3. University of Washington students
Siblings of enrolled children have priority enrollment. As spaces become available, enrollment is determined on a priority basis:
  1. University of Washington students living in family housing
  2. University of Washington full-time students
  3. University of Washington faculty and staff

Nutrition

West Campus Radford Court & Laurel Village
Two healthy snacks are available each day to toddlers and preschoolers. Parents provide lunches, formula, infant food, and special dietary needs. Optional hot lunch services are available for an additional cost. Two healthy snacks and a hot lunch are available each day to toddlers and preschoolers. Parents provide formula, infant food, and special dietary needs.

ACT

All centers are fully enrolled at this time. Submit your wait list application as soon as possible.

If you need other childcare options, the UW provides information on community-based childcare and a Nanny Share Network.

EXPLORE

You may call to arrange a tour of each center.

For More Information

The Children's Center at West Campus
University of Washington
Box 355650
3904 Cowlitz Road
Seattle, WA 98195-5650
206-548-9850
wccc1@u.washington.edu
The Children's Center at Radford Court
6311 65th Avenue NE, Suite 4300
Seattle, WA 98115
206-543-3737
spcc@u.washington.edu
The Children's Center at Laurel Village
4200 Mary Gates Memorial Drive NE
Seattle, WA 98105
206-525-5122
ubcc@u.washington.edu